What Does a Mutual Economy Really Look Like?

ResPublica launch event with keynote remarks by Francis Maude

On 13th March 2013, ResPublica launched its latest publication, Making It Mutual, which showcases the importance of ownership, mutuality and reciprocity as mainstream principles for the economy and society.

With much emphasis on the need for an open and more competitive market, matched with the democratic deficit faced by many of our public institutions, the need for more accountable and diverse business models is ever more pressing. The importance of widespread ownership and responsibility are central to achieving social prosperity and economic success, but as we look forward to the Chancellor’s Budget, and further reforms to public services, will such models of ownership play a key part?

A keynote speech was given by the Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, followed by a panel discussion with speakers including:

• Rt Hon Dame Tessa Jowell MP, former Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport
• George Freeman MP, Government Adviser on Life Sciences and Chairman of the All Party Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture
• Andrew Burnell, Chief Executive, City Health Care Partnership CIC
• Matt Cavanagh, Head of Public Affairs, John Lewis Partnership

Contributors to the essay collection include Professor Julian Le Grand, Chair, Cabinet Office Mutuals Taskforce; Graeme Nuttall, Government Adviser, HM Treasury Employee Ownership Advisory Group; Patrick Roach, Deputy Director General, NASUWT; Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, John Lewis Partnership; and span a number of sectors of society, such as banking and finance, education, retail, infrastructure and transport, and media, culture and sports.